Republican candidates Hailey Dollar and Cynthia Scaturico are facing off to be the GOP nominee on the ballot for Virginia’s House of Delegates 70th District.
The district covers a portion of Newport News, and the winner of the primary will face off against Democrat incumbent Shelley Simonds in November to determine who will serve a two-year term.
Virginia’s primary elections are June 17 and early voting begins May 2.
___
Hailey Dollar
Age: 35
Employment: Disabled Army combat veteran
Education: AAB, paralegal studies, Eastern Gateway Community College; Master’s degree, science in health science with concentration on health education, Trident University; Master’s degree in science in emergency and disaster management, concentration on homeland security, Trident University.
Website: dollarforva.com
What is your top priority if elected and how would you work across the aisle to accomplish it?
I have a number of priorities that are all conducive with the overall goal of improving the health and welfare to my constituents. I will prioritize decreasing if not eradicating personal property taxes to make it more affordable for constituents to own and maintain property in Newport News and give them relief so they may have more time at home with their families.
What is the best way for Virginia to respond to federal funding cuts to the state?
The best way for Virginia to respond to federal funding cuts is to do a deep review of the programs within the state, assess their need, and what areas of improvement are necessary to maintain. Taxpayers in Virginia want to see their hard-earned money funding community projects, infrastructure, public safety, and other programs that improve their overall wellbeing. If the redirection of federal funding means a redistribution of Virginia’s proposed budget, we as elected officials need to investigate potential misuses of funding and ensure they are redirected to critical programs and eliminate those that are not necessary.
Should billionaires like Elon Musk and George Soros be able to contribute unlimited amounts of money to Virginia candidates? If yes, why? If no, what would you do if elected to enact campaign finance limits?
Currently it is legal for any individual to contribute unlimited amounts of contributions candidates nationwide. I believe that keeping transparent public records of any monies contributed should continue to be a requirement, so constituents may form their own opinions if outside influences may be a variable in elections.
___
Cynthia Scaturico
Age: 49
Employment: Homemaker
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration with concentration on management, Robert Morris College.
Previous elected office: Board of Supervisors, Carroll County, Iowa from 2023-24.
Website: scaturicofordelegate.com
What is your top priority if elected and how would you work across the aisle to accomplish it?
Restoring parental rights through education reform is my top priority. As a mother of three and a grandmother to six, I’ve seen how schools shape our kids’ futures. Hard-earned tax dollars keep pouring in. Virginia’s education costs have doubled, yet reading and math scores haven’t budged in decades. We’re asking too much of teachers: to navigate race relations and gender issues, act as mental health counselors as kids’ anxiety spikes, and play disciplinarian instead of educator. I’ll work across the aisle, finding common ground with folks who agree our kids need strong basics, not politics in class. Let’s get back to teaching reading, math and critical thinking, give parents a voice to guide their kids’ values, and let teachers teach, not juggle roles they’re not trained for. Our children deserve schools that build their future, not burden their present.
What is the best way for Virginia to respond to federal funding cuts to the state?
The solution to the federal funding cuts is economic growth. When businesses thrive tax revenue grows. My strategic approach consists of three practical solutions. 1. Preserve Virginia’s status as a right to work state to keep Virginia a top destination for business investments. 2. Invest in Hampton Roads infrastructure such as roads, railways and ports to promote economic development and grow manufacturing jobs. 3. Keep taxes low to attract businesses and fuel job growth.
Should billionaires like Elon Musk and George Soros be able to contribute unlimited amounts of money to Virginia candidates? If yes, why? If no, what would you do if elected to enact campaign finance limits?
The 1st Amendment protects citizens’ rights to express political interests through donations, regardless of wealth. Billionaires like Elon Musk or George Soros should face no arbitrary limits on contributions to Virginia candidates. Free speech includes financial support for causes and candidates one believes in. Restrictions often reduce transparency, pushing funds to less accountable channels like super PACs. Individual donations are more traceable, ensuring openness. If elected, I’d oppose new campaign finance limits, focusing instead on enforcing transparency laws to keep contributions clear and accountable.
Originally Published:
